King Charles was left fuming during a torrential downpour in Antigua after aides appeared to forget to hand him an umbrella, sparking a rather frantic royal flap.
The heavens opened just minutes after the monarch and Queen Camilla arrived at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium for the 45th annual Antigua and Barbuda Independence Parade. While staff rushed to ensure Her Majesty—who looked elegant in a white Anna Valentine dress—was quickly ushered to a covered seating area with her trusty clear umbrella, Charles was seemingly left exposed to the deluge.
King Left Exposed as Rain Batters Parade Ground
As the rain battered the parade ground, the drenched King was momentarily forgotten. In videos circulating online, Charles could be seen mouthing an 8-word remark after he finally got handed a small black umbrella by his rushing equerry, Major Ben Rigby.
According to expert lip reader Nicola Hickling, the frustrated King muttered: "Perhaps one should keep a spare on hand."
King Repeatedly Asks for His Umbrella
Before his equerry's arrival, the King was seen continuously motioning with his arms and repeatedly asking his staff, "Where's my umbrella?"
Meanwhile, Camilla could be seen taking the whole thing lightheartedly, seemingly laughing in the stands after she had safely found shelter. She later found the funny side of the deluge, making jokes about the humidity playing havoc with her frizzy hair.
King Keeps Spirits High Despite Soaking
Ever the professional, Charles didn't let the soggy start dampen his spirits for long. After venturing into the centre of the cricket pitch to inspect the Guard of Honour as it continued to rain heavily, the King playfully quipped to the Prime Minister: "I've started growing watercress on my trousers."
